Devolution

~

a smudge of coal-dusted shadow

clings to the sole of her secondhand shoe

stings her dull skin through the shoddy leather

like nettles

like needles

traces of euphoria

haunting her steps

there when she wakes if sleep ever comes

.

she's a tragedy

a statistic before the dawn

steals the night sky

her neck broken and twisted

from weary eyes

helplessly, needlessly

searching over skeletal shoulders

for the thing that stalks,

bitter tears cannot sway

unformed words swallowed in failure

and fear

no more laugh lines

or life lines

only scarred tracks mapped across

a sallow, bruised tapestry

.

she's given mercy in alleyways

a hit for a hit

sordid transactions for the damned

as her specter remains close at her heels

prodding and poking

for things impossible to accept;

another hollow dawn

on hallowed ground as she begs

for ears to listen

for hands to hold, not harm

for freedom from the hunger

but her reflection sticks in oil-slicked

puddles, her face cool against the concrete

revealing the wraith she can no longer ignore

exposed amongst the dust motes swaying

in the harshness of day–

her ghost–

happy and whole

before the ravenous need consumed her,

with a gaze full of understanding,

forgiveness staring back, no scorn

or judgement though she feels far from

redeemed

.

her eyes squeeze shut in remembrance

and shame, regret thick on her tongue,

before gentled arms pull her to embrace

leaving the stench of decay and defeat behind;

together they fall into oblivion

the fight gone

the soul freed

another angel of addiction

born from abuse

released into death's quiet slumber